Rugby League News

First topic message reminder :

The dates and venues of the 4 nation's have been announced. They are -

Fri 28th Oct - Scotland v Australia - Craven park Hull.

Sun 30th Oct - England v New Zealand - John Smiths stadium Huddersfield.

Sat 5th Nov - England v Scotland & Australia v New Zealand - Ricoh Arena Coventry.

Fri 11th Nov - Scotland v New Zealand - Derwent Park Workington.

Sun 13th Nov - England v Australia - Olympic Park London.

Sun 20th Nov - final at Anfield Liverpool.

Halifax release a statement that they are in financial difficulties. To the best of my knowledge they appear to have seen off a potential winding up from HMRC but still troubling times for a great club.

Congratulations to Goole Vikings who will be joining League 1 next year. Hopefully the other 2 clubs (Bedford & East Anglia) will join in the next few years as well.

Scott Taylor (ex Hull Fc amongst other clubs), is head coach. And Jamie Shaul is there 1st signing.

Fully agree re League One playoffs, I assume in fairness to help with the lack of teams/fixtures.

David Hughes will step away from London Broncos at the end of the season with the club now for sale.

I can't imagine his disappointment with the IMG gradings. Huge loss to the sport.

Congratulations to.Mikey Lewis 2024 Man of Steel. Very well deserved winner.

Next year there will be a middle 8's type competition in the championship/league 1. After which, the top 3 will be in the championship, bottom 5 league 1 to create a 12 & 12 leagues.

Hopeful Bradford won't be in it but could mean some good games.

Swinton v Hunslet was excellent

Craig Lingard has left Castleford.
Not really surprised, they were poor most of the season. McGuire and Delaney supposedly moving up.

I feel for Lingard, yes Cas struggled but given the changes off field I was not surprised they struggled, it looked from the outside somewhat chaotic.

So, we have the IMG ratings, no surprise to see that Wakefield and London swap places. I am surprised to see London jump up the rankings quite as much. Hopefully they can find the funding required if not these ratings are going to look very silly on the face of it.

Great news, 2025 Australia are touring, 3 test matches. Congratulations and thanks to those agreeing to this, a very much needed shot in the arm for Internstionals.

Magic Weekend will return to St James park Newcastle next year. It will be held over the opening weekend of May (3&4).
The games will be.

Sat 3rd May.

1- Leigh v Catalans.
2- Hull KR v Salford.
3- St Helens v Leeds.

Sun 4th May.

1- Huddersfield v Hull FC.
2- Wigan v Warrington.
3- Castleford v Wakefield.

Newcastle seemungly a more popular option to Leeds.

Salford appear to be in serious financial difficulty , requesting that receive early payment of central funds, reportedly £500k


Really hoping they can find a solution asap.